Highclere Castle Express

Available July & August.

An architectural masterpiece, Highclere Castle is best known for doubling as Downton Abbey in the popular TV series. International Friends invites you to explore the lavishly decorated interior, Egyptian Exhibition, and the 1,000-acre Capability Brown–designed grounds.

This day trip includes;

Round trip transfers from London in an executive vehicle

Entry to Highclere Castle and Grounds (Downton Abbey) with guides available in the rooms

Entry to the Egyptian Exhibition

Services of an experienced driver (please note that this service is not guided)

We depart London and drive away from the city towards the South West of England, a journey that takes around 90 minutes. On arrival at Highclere Castle there will be time to enjoy the beautiful gardens; The Monks Garden, White Border, Secret Garden and Wood of Goodwill before we enter the Castle. There will be time for a visit to the tearooms where you can enjoy a light lunch, snack or afternoon tea made in the Castle kitchen. We plan to spend at least 3 hours at the Castle.

Highclere Castle has been the seat of the Carnarvon family since 1679. Major rebuilding work was carried out in the 18th and 19th centuries, and in 1838, the 3rd Earl of Carnarvon brought in Sir Charles Barry to transform his home into a truly stunning mansion. During the First World War the Castle was transformed into a hospital, returning to a private home in 1922. To this day the current (8th) Earl and Countess of Carnarvon live partly in the Castle and partly nearby, but remain closely involved in the Castle's day to day life.

On entry to Highclere Castle, visitors follow a route through the Castle, with guides in each State room. The State rooms include the Saloon, Library, Dining room, Music room, Drawing room and Smoking room. Visitors can then go up the Red Stairs to view some of the Bedrooms and the Gallery, before walking down the Oak staircase back to the Saloon in the heart of the house. Many of the rooms from the Downton Abbey series can be seen on the tour, including the Parlour where the Crawleys take tea, the bedrooms and of course the Dining room (the scene of many family arguments!).

Disclaimer: International Friends Downton Abbey day trips and tours are not endorsed, sanctioned or in any other way supported, directly or indirectly, by Carnival Films, NBC Universal or Julian Fellowes and his representatives.

Important note about cancellations - due to the very limited availability of Highclere Castle tickets, all bookings for this service are 100% non refundable.

TIME

DESTINATION

DepartsArrives

11:45am1:00pm

Central LondonHighclere Castle

DepartsArrives

4:00pm 6:00pm

Highclere Castle London Victoria

Please note that all timings above are estimated and assuming normal traffic conditions. Due to the changeable nature of road conditions, we cannot guarantee a precise time when you will get back to London. On the return to London your driver will drop you at Victoria Train Station in the city centre. This is one of the largest transport stations in London, with excellent connections to all parts of London and beyond.